Sepsis involves fight of the body against a severe infection, spread through the bloodstream. Septic patients mostly have a very low blood pressure, often termed as “shock”. There are usually two reasons that lead to this condition. The foremost cause is the defense system of the body itself, while the second reason is the toxic substances that are made by infecting agents, like fungus, bacteria or virus.
People with weak immune systems, due to several reasons, like AIDS, intake of steroids, chemotherapy treatment and others, are more likely to suffer from sepsis. However, even healthy beings are not completely spared. In fact, infants whose immune systems have not developed as yet may also become septic. It is often difficult to diagnose sepsis in infants as typical symptoms of sepsis, like change in behavior or fever are difficult to determine.
Elderly people, especially those suffering from other illnesses like diabetes are also at increased risk. Statistics for death rate among sepsis patients have almost doubled during the past two decades. This increase is believed to be the fact that more doctors nowadays prefer treating organ transplant and cancer patients with strong medicines that mars the immune system greatly and increases the number of people suffering from sepsis.
Finally, heightened as well as inappropriate antibiotics use to cure illness that are not caused by bacteria but viruses has led to a lot of bacteria being resistant to these antibiotics that has made the treatment of sepsis even more complicated in a few cases.
After a discussion about so many risk factors for sepsis, let us emphasize now on symptoms for the same. Yes, so what are symptoms that one should stay alert for an early diagnosis of sepsis? Sepsis patients usually have fever, while sometimes their temperature my go to below normal or even stay normal. Severe shaking, chills, rapid breathing, fast heartbeat, decreased urination, dizziness, confusion, agitation and disorientation are also noticed. Reddish rashes or dark red dots all over the body and joint pains are a few more symptoms that are included in the list for sepsis patients.
There are several different types of microbes that can lead to sepsis. In most cases, bacteria are the most common cause but fungi and viruses can also cause sepsis in a few cases. Infections in kidneys, lungs, bladder and several other organs may also spread that can result in sepsis. Also, sometimes infections may develop after any surgery that can cause sepsis.
If any child who is born for less than 60 days and have fever, unusual rash, change in usual child’s behavior, lethargy or poor feeding, it is advisable to seek medical guidance as soon as possible.
So, as soon as you observe any symptoms of sepsis in any of your family members, do not delay to take them for emergency treatment to increase the possibilities of survival.